Slate takes on my dissertation topic

For anyone that does research, particularly research that isn't mainstream (i.e. "I'm curing cancer. Or diabetes.") it's always a little bit of a thrill to see your topic hit the mainstream press. At the same time, though, it also gives a Red Bull to that little man who lives in your mouth - the one that's always nagging you about whether your research topic is just a passing fad. No one wants to be world systems theory.

I suppose this is less of a concern if your area of research is cancer. "We got bored with stem cells, so the entire field moved on to 14th Century textile transport. Good stuff there. And best of luck with that leukemia."